STROLL THE VILLAGE
With its abundant shops, restaurants, bars and the beachfront walk, Carlsbad Village is a destination in itself. Flanked by Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue, the village's most bustling blocks include State Street and the coastal Carlsbad Boulevard. A few steps from the heart of the village takes you to the Carlsbad Village Art and Antique Mall. Along Carlsbad Boulevard, you'll find pop-up art shows, ubiquitous dog walkers, a paved pedestrian walk and picturesque sunsets that garner cheers from crowds gathered along the sea wall. Walk up and down Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue and you'll find shops and stops to suit all interests from surf shacks and thrift stores to jewelry shops and trendy boutiques.
HIT THE BEACH
With miles of beachfront and a handful of popular surf and family spots, Carlsbad offers some of San Diego County's best beach access. From South Ponto Beach to the idyllic family- and water sport-friendly Carlsbad State Beach (aka Tamarack Beach) and the less-populated northern beaches between Carlsbad Village and the Oceanside border, there is a piece of sand and sea for surfers, shell hunters, solitude seekers and sun worshipers alike.
VISIT AN ATTRACTION
For families the world over, Carlsbad is famous as the home of LEGO LAND California Resort, its accompanying water park and SEA LIFE Aquarium, as well as the LEGO LAND Castle and Resort hotels. Green thumbs flock to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch every spring for 50 colorful acres of Tecolote Giant Ranunculus in full bloom. Open through May 10, the Flower Fields draw more than 100,000 visitors each year to stroll the grounds and enjoy special events like live music, food trucks and family-friendly festivals.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
On the culinary front, Carlsbad doesn't disappoint. From breakfast through brunch, lunch to dinner and late night dining and drinking, there are enough options to keep a foodie full for days. Newer highlights include Campfire, an indoor-outdoor gem focused on the celebration of market-fresh food and friendship; Jeune et Jolie, Campfire's sister spot and a sweet French-style bistro; and the Land & Water Company, an inventive seafood, sushi and spirits spot. Sunday Fun Day is in full effect at Park 101, complete with BBQ, games and a rooftop ocean view; and it's all about picnic-style breakfast and bottomless mimosas at Crackheads, on the corner of State Street and Carlsbad Village Drive. But it's not all about the brand new. For a down-home diner and the best homemade pie this side of your grandma's house, head to Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe; and for some good, old-fashioned Irish pub fun, check out O'Sullivan's Irish Pub in Carlsbad Village-where you can end your day with a pint of Guinness and a hearty Slainte to a day trip well spent.
For more information, go to visitcarlsbad.com
